I've been drooling over all those sleek "gaming" branded chairs like Vertigear, Dominator and the like. Sadly, they can't be found in showrooms in NewZealand (as far as I know), and they're probably overpriced for what they are anyway. Can anyone recommend a mid range ($500 and under please) chair with good back support and removable arms that can stand up to several hours of use a day? I't'd be great if it were in a showroom somewhere in the Wellington region so I can try it out.

I recently tried out a few at PBTech here in Auckland fitting that description. Wellington branch is 5/7 Vivian St, Te Aro. Nothing stood out for me, but they were in that style and price band, and the different styles seemed suited for a variety of builds.

If you're going to be sitting on it several hours a day, you need to make a good investment. This chair was one of my best purchases.

Interesting - our office (of at least 500) have these chairs. I personally wouldn't rave about them and a number of others I've spoken to in the office wouldn't either. They're okay, but I wouldn't call it the most comfortable.

Maybe I just sit weird though.

EDIT: I suppose good for you also doesn't necessarily mean comfortable.

I recommend second hand Formway Key chairs. At a previous workplace we got an office-sized lot of second hand ones and they were marvellous. I'm sitting on one right now. Wouldn't expect one to cost more than $100 from a second hand furniture shop. Most comfortable office chair I've ever used - I prefer it to the Life. If the gas lift goes (that's why mine was cheap) Darlington Chairs in Miramar, Wellington will fix it for $30.

How long is a piece of string? You're body will be a different shape from everyone else's. Something I find super comfortable may be horrendous for you. You need to go and sit in chairs and find one that works for you.

Some things to look out for:

- the more ways you can adjust a chair the better. I really like Formway chairs, since (in most models) the seat slides forwards and back. It would appear I have relatively long thighs, since I can slide the seat fully forward and still have a gap behind my knees. The more you can adjust it, the more likely you are to find something comfortable.

- will you/do you use a footrest? If you're short, it can be hard finding a low enough chair. Another option is to use a footrest. Really tall people are unfortunately often out of luck.

- don't listen to ergonomics people slavishly about how you should have your wrists / elbows etc. when typing. The orthodox advice doesn't work for everyone; more important to be comfortable and avoid anything that causes strain.

- if it's for you personally, do everything you can to avoid a canvas covering. Know why your suit/dress pants wear out so much quicker than any other item of clothing you own? That flippin' hard wearing long life canvas. If I am on client premises and don't have any choice where to park my backside, I cover up the canvas with a towel. It might look like I've sh@t myself, but better than that wearing out expensive pants. If you can find a real leather seat, that will last longer. However even the vinyl (which won't last as long as canvas) is easier on pants.

I've been drooling over all those sleek "gaming" branded chairs like Vertigear, Dominator and the like. Sadly, they can't be found in showrooms in NewZealand (as far as I know), and they're probably overpriced for what they are anyway. Can anyone recommend a mid range ($500 and under please) chair with good back support and removable arms that can stand up to several hours of use a day? I't'd be great if it were in a showroom somewhere in the Wellington region so I can try it out.

I was in Warehouse Stationary today. They have a racing style chair special $209 for a couple of days.

It was good! Suited me better than the pbtech chairs and the foam padding was a good density.

It would be nice if they rocked forward and not just back, but can't have everything. Arms flip up out of the way.

I've been drooling over all those sleek "gaming" branded chairs like Vertigear, Dominator and the like. Sadly, they can't be found in showrooms in NewZealand (as far as I know), and they're probably overpriced for what they are anyway. Can anyone recommend a mid range ($500 and under please) chair with good back support and removable arms that can stand up to several hours of use a day? I't'd be great if it were in a showroom somewhere in the Wellington region so I can try it out.

I was in Warehouse Stationary today. They have a racing style chair special $209 for a couple of days.

It was good! Suited me better than the pbtech chairs and the foam padding was a good density. It would be nice if they rocked forward and not just back, but can't have everything. Arms flip up out of the way.

Nope nope nope. they don't last in general, and i don't believe they are good for you. We've been through 3 now, and I am looking for anything but Warehouse.